§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the allegations of profiteering in the building trade; and whether, for the information of the public, he will consider the monthly issue of an official state- 479W ment showing variations in prices of building materials and also in the payment for labour?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the first Report of the Committee on Prices of Building Materials published on the 27th of June. I expect to receive a further Report from the Committee this week, and I understand they propose to submit monthly schedules of ruling prices which will be published. The "Labour Gazette," published monthly, contains particulars of changes in the rates of payment of building labour in all parts of the country, but I will consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend that the relative figures should be published along with prices of materials.
§ Sir J. LEIGHasked the Minister of Health whether the information acquired up to the present by the Departmental Committee on building prices shows that there is a definite rise in the price of building materials; whether this Committee will shortly issue a Report; and whether steps will be taken to give more regular publicity to the work of this Committee in the future?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe information received indicates reductions as well as increases in various classes of materials in different areas, but for the most part prices have remained constant. I expect to receive a second report from the Departmental Committee this week, their first report having been published on the 27th of June. The Committee propose to submit monthly schedules of ruling prices and to report generally as required from time to time. Their reports will be published as received.